أبحاث طبية / Medical Research

# **Prevalence of Ocular Surface Disease among Glaucoma Patients Receiving Topical Antiglaucoma Therapy at Al Jawarih Eye Hospital, Dongola, Sudan: A cross-Sectional Study (2026)** --- ## **Introduction** Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Lifelong topical therapy is required to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Chronic use, especially of **preservative-containing drops (BAK)**, is associated with **ocular surface disease (OSD)**—causing dryness, irritation, and reduced quality of life, which can affect medication adherence and surgical outcomes. --- ## **Literature Review** * OSD prevalence in glaucoma patients: 40–60% (Leung 2008, Fechtner 2010) * Severity correlates with **number of medications** and **duration of therapy** * Preservatives are major contributors to epithelial and inflammatory damage * Local data in Sudan are limited --- ## **Problem Statement** There is no local evidence on OSD prevalence among glaucoma patients in tertiary clinics, making it difficult to guide therapy, especially regarding preservative-free options. --- ## **Objectives** **General:** Determine prevalence of OSD in glaucoma patients on topical therapy **Specific:** * Assess severity via OSDI * Correlate severity with number/type of medications and therapy duration --- ## **Methodology** * **Design:** Descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional * **Period:** April–July 2026 * **Population:** Glaucoma patients ≥18 years on topical therapy ≥3 months * **Sample:** 230 patients (systematic sampling) * **Data Collection:** Demographics, OSDI questionnaire, TBUT, corneal fluorescein staining * **OSD Definition:** OSDI ≥13, TBUT <10s, or corneal staining * **Analysis:** SPSS 25; descriptive and inferential statistics --- ## **Ethical Considerations** * IRB approval * Informed consent * Right to withdraw * Privacy and confidentiality ensured

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